ADHD Experts Podcast cover image

ADHD Experts Podcast

548- How to Heal from Trauma Using Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Apr 1, 2025
Susan Bauerfeld, a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in Internal Family Systems therapy, sheds light on the relationship between ADHD and trauma. She highlights how children with ADHD face unique emotional challenges and introduces IFS as a powerful tool for healing. Topics include the importance of self-awareness in parenting, how trauma reshapes brain structures, and integrating IFS with cognitive behavioral therapy. Bauerfeld also advocates for a balanced educational approach to alleviate societal achievement pressures on students and teachers.
01:00:09

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps individuals with ADHD understand and manage their emotional parts, promoting personal growth and resilience.
  • Trauma significantly exacerbates ADHD symptoms, illustrating the need for a nurturing environment to support emotional and cognitive development in affected children.

Deep dives

Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy presents a unique understanding of the mind, emphasizing that individuals are comprised of various sub-personalities or 'parts.' Each part serves a purpose, helping individuals navigate challenges and manage their emotions, particularly those with ADHD. This therapeutic approach posits that there are no inherently 'bad' parts; instead, every part has its rationale, often developed to cope with traumatic experiences or emotional distress. Self-energy plays a critical role in IFS, representing the qualities of calmness, compassion, and clarity that facilitate healing and personal growth.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode